Invitation

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Knight of Cups (Chango); from the Diloggun Cards, Three Mouths (Ogunda):

Your problem is you are too busy holding on to your unworthiness.

―Ram Dass

The Knight of Cups, elementally known as Fire of Water, is a perfect pairing with the Chango (Orisha of fire, thunder, lighting, and dance). His fire encourages us to move beyond passivity and express our heart's wish to build a relationship, whether with a person or a group. We might fear that we are not enough, that we don't have what it takes to be accepted. Yet the most meaningful relationships require only honesty, kindness, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a mutual respect for each other. The proverb for Three Mouths (Ogunda) says: "A little subtleness is better than a lot of force." Extending an invitation is much better than whacking someone over the head with it.  

On this Fourth of July, I couldn't help but post this quote, which I feel deeply:

"Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest," but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is."

—Sydney J. Harris

What Our Choices Reflect

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Tower; from the Diloggun Cards, Nine Mouths (Osa):

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. —Nelson Mandela

The Tarot Lukumi takes a different approach on this card than the RWS. Rather than living in an ivory tower, it shows slaves being freed from captivity by Chango (the Orisha of thunder and justice) along with other Orishas. This card heavily emphasizes the breaking of mental, physical and spiritual chains that hold us. It may be that we've made unskillful choices, allowed others to make our choices, or didn't choose at all. Sometimes, as Mandela points out, we let our fear or anger make decisions. Whatever the cause, the result is that we find ourselves with a choke collar and leash around our necks. Both the ethic and proverb for Osa (Nine Mouths) is worth reflecting on:

Ifa: One must cease leading themselves to misfortune. One must cease bringing harm upon themselves.

Proverb: Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

We have an opportunity to escape that collar and leash by making some new decisions and acting on them.

No Grabbing

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Nine of Coins; from the Diloggun Cards, Eight Mouths (Ogbe):

The man who expects nothing gains everything. For he no longer waits — he creates.

—Napoleon Hill

Eleggua, guardian of crossroads and opportunities, leaves a trail of gold coins. He teaches that every choice is a path, and new openings should be approached with sincerity, humility, and an open mind. This chance is not about impulsively grabbing something but recognizing our responsibility in attaining it. The ethic for Eight Mouths (Ogbe) states: "Those who attain blessings are those who live by their wisdom. If we do not bear suffering that will fill a basket, we will not receive blessings that will fill a cup." We earn - skills, education, wages, etc. - through effort, not because we feel entitled to having them.

Just What Is Needed

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Six of Wands; from the Diloggun Cards, Twelve Mouths (Oturupon):

Without integrity and honor, having everything means nothing.

—Robin Sharma

Ochosi's skill and patience in tracking the herd have paid off. He returns victoriously with food for his people. The deer's life will be honored - not by putting its head on a wall - but through the nutrition, clothing and tools it will provide. Ochosi didn't kill the whole herd, just what was needed. Likewise, success means simply achieving our objective, not subsuming or obliterating everything in our path along the way. Oturupon's (Twelve Mouths') ethic says: "We must never raise problems or incite conflict. We must take the time to be sure of our words even before we speak." If we want to live an honorable life that is respectful of our interconnection with others, self-restraint in all areas is good advice.

No Drill Instructors, Please

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Four of Batons; from the Diloggun Cards, Three Mouths (Ogunda):

A warrior is gentle in spirit, fierce in commitment. –John Eldredge

Initiates in this tradition are first introduced to the "Warrior Orishas" - Eleggua, Oggun, Oshosi, and Ozun. These guardians provide spiritual care and supervision, marking the formal beginning of a practitioner's lifelong relationship with the Orisha. It is always helpful when beginning something new, such as a religious path, marriage, career, or parenthood, to have a role model to provide skillful examples for us to follow. Those who are experienced and proficient may keep us from making too many mistakes or at least help us learn from our missteps when we fall flat on our face. The Three Mouths (Ogunda) proverb reads: "A little subtleness is better than a lot of force." It hints that we might be better suited to and gain more from models who offer suggestions rather than make demands. Save the drill instructors for the military.

Curiosity Saved the Cat

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Eight of Swords (Ochosi); from the Diloggun Cards, Seven Mouths (Edi):

Your perspective will either become your prison or your passport.

—Steven Furtick

Ochosi is the Orisha of the hunt, forests and animals, yet he is also known as a believer of impartial justice and equality. He has a little chuckle at us today, because we've constructed a prison for ourselves made of our own thoughts. Ochosi says, "You stand and look in one direction, seeking resources or a solution to your problem. Can you not look to the left, the right and behind you, realizing there are many other options?" The proverb for Edi (Seven Mouths) reads: "Always being in a hurry does not prevent death, neither does going slowly prevent living." Curiosity is the partner of patience; curiosity heightens our patience by keeping us interested. It grants us time to unravel problems rather than create more.  

Zoned Out

This week I'll be using the Tarot Lukumi, a deck created by Caelum Rainieri, Ivory Andersen and Raphael Montoliu. It is published by Dal Negro, and the artwork was done by Luigi Scapini. The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Diloggun Cards, a digital set created through the use of art by Mase Lobe. Each card is associated with an Ifa ethic as well as a proverb, with information from a book by Ifa Karade called The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts. Today's draws are the Queen of Cups (Yemaya) and Six Mouths (Obara):

Transcendence is a false detour - a dead end in the sky. Transformation is what is needed now. 

—Clark Strand

The Queen of Cups is illustrated with Yemaya, orisha of all the oceans and bodies of water and Mother of All. Having a powerful influence over the tides and the movements of the sea, she encourages us to surrender to the natural flow of life and find the strength to transform ourselves during after difficult periods. When we meet head-on with hardships, our first response is often to find some way - pills, booze, sleep, or some other pleasure - to help us ignore it. Yet the proverb associated with Obara (six mouths) tells us just the opposite: "Do not let what you cannot do tear from your hands what you can." Choosing to be present rather than zoned out can give us the clarity to respond in ways that might be beneficial to us and possibly the situation too.

 

The True Essence

From the Wild Unknown, the World; from the Pictish Oracle, Rectangular Figure:

Form is none other than emptiness. Emptiness is none other than form.

—Heart Sutra

We begin life awash in wonder; later, we focus on finding certainty and solidity, through both concepts and material possessions. The Sutra tells us that form - anything tangible or perceptible (objects, thoughts) - is "empty." Rather than a void, emptiness points out that all things are impermanent and interdependent. Emptiness is the canvas that allows form to happen. To recognize wholeness in our diverse and ever-changing world, rather trying to separate and petrify, allows us to develop compassionate understanding. Several of the Rectangular Figures have been found on stones that show monks carrying books in satchels that look very similar. We all carry concepts and ideas that help us to make sense of life. Hopefully, we don't latch our "satchels' too tightly, allowing room for new perspectives and new information. As Tara Brach said, "Belief without inquiry is like mistaking a map for the territory - guiding us but never capturing the true essence of what is."

Cloudy Days

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Pictish Oracle, Arch:

I have my foggy and my fine days within me.

—Blaise Pascal

Tired, worn down by stress, and feeling like the world has been washed of its color - we all have days when we experience such moods. A mood is a sustained, generalized state of feeling (unlike specific emotions which are intense with a specific target). On these days, it might help to consider what our mind and body need (which does not include trying to reshape the world according to our desires). There is no evidence that the Picts shod their horses, so the Arch is likely a structure or a torque (neck ring). It reminds us that there is a way through this dark cloud. First, we offer counter arguments to our thoughts when we catch ourselves thinking in black and white and making assumptions. We might reach out to a friend who is practical but positive or put on some upbeat music. It would also be helpful if we get enough sleep, exercise if possible, and eat regular meals. As Karishma Mehta said, "It's a bad day, not a bad life."

What Went Wrong

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Crescent and V-rod:

You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted. Begin again the story of your life.

—Jane Hirshfield

At first, it appears to be simply a stump in this Ace, but then we notice the sprouts. Many deciduous trees can regrow from a stump or roots because their root systems remain alive. Likewise, we may try and fail at some endeavor, seeing just the stump and thinking we should just cut our losses. But rather than focusing on our failure, we can employ one of our greatest resources: learning what went wrong so we can do things differently if we try again. It has been suggested that the Crescent and V-rod image represent a kind of seasonal sundial. As such, it symbolizes preparation, pace and right timing. The red center of the Ace's stump hints that we need to start from the beginning instead of trying to save time by using what was done before. Begin again - this time with more wisdom.

Fair Exchange

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Son/Knight of Swords; from the Pictish Oracle, Snake:

When I am angry, what I want becomes holy. What the other person wants becomes irrelevant.

—friend of Susan Heitler

The eye is drawn to the lines in this card; they seem to funnel downward, like a gutter directing rainwater. The Son of Swords has both a sharp intellect and tongue. He likes to debate rather than discuss, often confusing what is true or right with his personal information and opinions. He can grind folks down, exhausting them with his arguments. They may pretend to agree simply to get away from the onslaught. The Snake was a complex symbol for the Celtic world: its ability to coil and strike caused fear, but its habit of shedding its skin connected it with healing. Words have the same power with their ability to hurt or heal. In a heated debate or argument, we are usually more concerned with being heard than listening, which holds no hope of reconciliation. On the other hand, Esther Perel reminds us, "Dialogue, in contrast, is an exchange with no winner, where the speaker listens and responds based on what they heard."

Milk and Honey?

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Mother (Queen) of Swords; from the Pictish Oracle, Wolf:

Beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing. —Aesop

I recognize the narrowed eyes of this snowy owl; they're the same as my cat's when I bring out the carrier for a vet visit. This Queen's air element (rationality) is tempered by her water element (understanding). Yet this colorless card and the sword pointing downward suggest she's just interested in the facts. Her past experiences can help her understand motives, but she will not tolerate any drama or dishonesty. She's not cold, just practical and direct. For the Picts, the wolf represented a marauder who took their livestock and presented a danger to night travelers. However, human "wolves" know to dress in sheep's clothing in order to take advantage of people. It can be hard to say 'no' or to step away from the crowd that follows such folks. But take the Queen's advice and check their actions rather than get excited about their promises. The words that pledge to give us a life of "milk and honey" might end with a bite we didn't see coming.

On Three

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Fool; from the Pictish Oracle, Mirror and Comb:

Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?

—Mary Oliver

This little fellow reminds me of a wood duckling. Only a few days after hatching, the mother leaves the tree cavity and calls for her little ones to jump 40 to 50 feet to the ground. What innate trust they have! The Fool asks us what is calling that would require a leap from our comfort zone. It might be a trip, a new hobby, or reaching out to someone we'd like to become friends with. We need to take these chances so that life will be fulfilling and we'll continue to grow. The Mirror and Comb suggest we take a moment to reflect when we find ourselves stuck rather than leaping. Haven't we spontaneously jumped at opportunities in the past and being rewarded by it? It is worth remembering that we can continue to bloom, no matter what our age or circumstances. 

Attention is the Key

This week I'll be using the Wild Unknown Tarot, created and self-published by Kim Krans. I'll also be using the Pictish Oracle, researched and drawn by myself, then lasered onto wooden tiles by a friend. Today's draws are the Moon and Tongs:

This emphasis on the unconscious driving our behavior and influencing our judgements, decisions and choices has been vastly over-emphasized. —Ben Newell

The Moon shows a waning moon, suggesting a time for letting go of things. The evergreen trees (endurance) seem to have no ground showing beneath them. Such groundlessness is an apt description of the Moon, when things are confusing and unsettled. We might wonder why we feel or behave in particular ways around certain people or specific situations, or why we at times make impulsive decisions. It would be nice to blame this on our unconscious - a repository of information that can guide us. Yet current research indicates that we are more likely governed by conscious thinking than by our unconscious. Attention is the key. Conscious awareness is the broad, open space of perceiving, while attention is a focused beam. The Tongs - an instrument for handling hot metal safely - suggests we focus our attention on a specific thought, motive or feeling and look at it with curiosity rather than as truth. Though attention, insight can allow us to see things as they actually are. 

 

Cycles

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Ten of Disks; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Sun:

Read the brilliant book of nature, study the rhythm of life, and you will find everything moves in perfect symphony. —Robbie George

I used to have a small drum collection: a frame drum I made of elk hide, two bodhrans, a djembe, and a doumbek. I got interested when I had the experience of drumming in a diverse circle of about 60 people. I played in smaller circles after that, but eventually those disappeared. Having "stuff" without a relational connection soon lost its meaning, and I gave all the drums away except one of my bodhrans. The Ten of Disks is a gathering of abundance, the result of the energies we've put forth into living. But it also hints that excess should be distributed to prevent corruption and greed. Nature teaches us that health lies in flow and change, not stagnation. The Sun in Dreamtime stories was thought to be a woman who carried a torch across the sky during the day, then returned to her starting point via an underground tunnel at night. Cycles are about transformation and movement, not standing still. As Parker Palmer stated, "The notion that our lives are like the eternal cycle of the seasons... encourages us to embrace it all—and to find in all of it opportunities for growth."

Taking Our Place

From the Wheel of Fortune Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Koala:

Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in. —Aesop

Weaving - both from a loom and from spiders - illustrates this card of prudence. The Eight of Disks is a caution to employ careful planning and attentiveness when we use our skills and resources. It is easier to use our finances, bodies, and material possessions wisely and carefully now, than having to spend time repairing them later. Koala, in the Dharug language, means "no drink" - referring to the fact that this animal receives almost all of its hydration from the moisture in eucalyptus leaves. Thus, Aboriginal Peoples have seen it as a symbol of water stewardship. All that we have is limited and constantly changing. As Linda Hogan wrote, "Caretaking is the utmost spiritual and physical responsibility of our time, and perhaps that stewardship is finally our place in the web of life, our work, the solution to the mystery that we are."

Spinning Mind

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Butterfly:

A crowded mind leaves no space for a peaceful heart. 

—Christine Evangelou

The nine blades of three windmills represent our spinning mind and racing thoughts when we worry. Yet worry doesn't accomplish a thing except to rob us of our fortitude and ability to think clearly. Butterfly represents transformation and encourages us to change our mental channel. Is there actually something to worry about, or are we making assumptions? If there is something real to deal with, what small step can we take in that direction? If there is nothing we can do, we can get out of our head and ground ourselves in the present moment. The senses are great for this task: enjoying the taste of a cup of coffee, listening to the birds sing, feeling a breeze or the sun on our face, or watching the squirrels chase each other around a tree. 

Boomerangs

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Empress; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Sea Eagle:

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.  —Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Empress is the loving Mother, the joy of abundance offered freely. She represents altruism, the unselfish concern for the well-being of others, distinguished by actions that prioritize other people's needs besides just one's own. It is the glue that connects and binds people together, helping all to survive and thrive. The Dreamtime story of the Sea Eagle tells of a selfish boy who would not share any of the food he caught with his family. He was eventually turned into a sea eagle, a wise guardian of the ocean who taught the people the laws of sustainable hunting. Like a boomerang, our actions can return to bite us, forcing us to change or be miserable. As Krishnamurti stated, "I must see the nature and structure of my relationship with the world – and in the very seeing is the doing."

Everyday Contentment

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Lightning Man:

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.

 — Doug Larson

The Nine of Cups often marks achievements, a time to revel in the joy of accomplishment. In this undersea environment, there is beauty and the warmth of contentment. Life won't let us stay in this peaceful place forever, but we can sure enjoy every second of it while it lasts. Lightning Man was well known by indigenous people, who lived closely connected with the earth and sky.  They believed he sent bolts of lightning and rumbling thunder as a warning to those who broke tribal and spiritual laws. On a pleasurable day, our warning is more of an encouragement: remember that beauty, warmth, wonder and joy can be found in everyday, unexpected places. We don't have to wait for the big moments to experience contentment.

Learning to Use Our Hurt

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Barramundi:

Strength is not the absence of hurt. It is the refusal to let hurt set the terms of who we become.

—Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger

The Three of Swords indicates a painful realization and the loss of an illusion. There are some relationships that just can't be put back together as they were before when truth is revealed. But what do we do with our pain?  Psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun have studied what they call post-traumatic growth - a conscious shift from being a victim to being a student of our experiences. This process does not delete our pain but helps us use it to extract life lessons and gain emotional resilience rather than remaining stuck. The Dreamtime story of Barramundi tells the story between two young lovers who long to be together, however the young woman was already promised to an older man in an arranged marriage. Rather than accept that fate, the lovers jumped into the sea and became fish. Traditional ideas and romantic dreams must often be sacrificed if we want an authentic, fulfilling life. 

Sacred Duty

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Lovers and Emu:

Choosing someone as our partner means investing in our togetherness; that when one of us goes up or down, the other does too. —Rachel Glik

With the Fool, there is unconditional trust as he steps into the world. The Lovers, a harmony of opposites, need trust too if their relationship is to stay strong. This doesn't mean they can't grow and change individually, but it does require a commitment to being trustworthy (honest, dependable and loyal). Such a relationship is not like a business, full of competition, transactions, and status-seeking. The Dreamtime story of Emu and her sister Wild Turkey tells a tale of infanticide and self-mutilation in an effort to outdo the other. No one 'wins' in these kinds of situations and often revenge plays on repeat. The Marines have a saying that sums up their core principles of camaraderie, duty and loyalty: "No man (or woman) left behind." Good partnerships follow the same principles.

Stockpiling

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Saturn in Pisces:

We have a choice every day to do whatever we do, and that choice is quite scary because it could absolutely change everything about our lives. 

—Andrew Haigh

This fox is building an arsenal, readying for a battle of words. He is like people who, instead of having a hard conversation, save up everything someone else says. Then after months go by, they blow up and hit the other person with a truck load of words, reminding them of all that was said in the past. It's a lot easier to fix something small than to wait until it's become enormous. The discipline and responsibility of Saturn arrive in the empathy and escapism of Pisces. Dealing with big emotions can be scary (and sometimes we do need to wait a beat). But to stuff things down for a long time rather than accepting responsibility for communicating them can result in a collapse of the relationship when things finally explode. It's time to replace those old communication habits with some healthier ones.

Sunny Side?

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Leo:

You might ask, is there always a sunny side? Maybe not. Or maybe it just reveals itself a little further down the road when our perspective broadens enough to see the whole picture.

―Richelle E. Goodrich

Place makes the statement that even the wealthy can find themselves in this position. Like the unbalanced beggar who reaches out though coins lie at his feet, we are rarely satisfied and constantly consumed with getting more. Place suggests what is missing is something greater than ourselves - the Quinta Essentia (fifth element) - an incorruptible energy of the universe. Focusing on spiritual principles and values rather than ourselves can give us another perspective of the world. Moon in Leo describes someone who is creative, loyal and warm-hearted, yet they always need validation from others. Unfortunately, this need can tank our self-worth when not received regularly. Instead, we might try validating ourselves, using our own yardstick of core values and goals to see how we're measuring up.

Seeking Answers

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Knight of Vessels; from Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Mercury in Scorpio:

Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate. ―Carl Jung

This Knight of Vessels wades into the shallow end of his unconscious to see what is there. Since it speaks through symbolism, he must not take anything too literally but sort out what these symbols mean to him personally. With Mercury in Scorpio, a sharp intellect meets with psychology, creating a profound drive to uncover hidden truths. Information may come out that causes us to reappraise our life. The Knight card seems to question why we frequently make unhealthy, hollow relationship choices, whether with friends or partners. Mercury in Scorpio would suggest three questions to consider:

1. Has unresolved, traumatic childhood experiences shaped our understanding of how relationships work?
2. Does low self-esteem make us think we deserve whatever we get? Do we define our worth by whether we please someone?
3. Are we so uncomfortable being alone that we grab the first available person?

Dangerous Luxury

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Hermit; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Taurus:

A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and understanding. 

–Marshall McLuhan

The Hermit represents the alchemical process of exaltation, the final operation that elevates a purified substance into its highest state. He's gained a lot of knowledge but also formed a lot of opinions; now he must look within to see how he got to this point. He uses meditation, first concentrating on something to calm his mind, then uses that clarity to gain insight at what is happening internally. He observes that his stream of experience constantly changes. He notices that the internal (mind) and external (outer phenomena) condition each other, shaping how he views his world. Yet this world is constantly shifting too, and he realizes those opinions and assumptions that appear in the moment may not be useful to keep. The Moon in Taurus is a cushy placement that sends us seeking emotional comfort in physical pleasure, security and consistency. This seems to be a pretty human response, yet the Hermit warns of change coming. Enjoy fully what is, he says, without tightly gripping it, whether it's internal or external.